Project-Based Learning Essential Project Design Elements

Key Knowledge, Understanding, and Success Skills The project is focused on teaching students key knowledge and understanding derived from standards, and success skills including critical thinking/problem solving, collaboration, and self- management.

Challenging Problem or Question The project is based on a meaningful problem to solve or a question to answer, at the appropriate level of challenge for students, which is operationalized by an open-ended, engaging driving question.

Sustained Inquiry The project involves an active, in-depth process over time, in which students generate questions, find and use resources, ask further questions, and develop their own answers.

Authenticity The project has a real-world context, uses real- world processes, tools, and quality standards, makes a real impact, and/or is connected to students’ own concerns, interests, and identities.

Student Voice & Choice The project allows students to make some choices about the products they create, how they work, and how they use their time, guided by the teacher and depending on their age and PBL experience.

Reflection The project provides opportunities for students to reflect on what and how they are learning, and on the project’s design and implementation.

Critique & Revision The project includes processes for students to give and receive feedback on their work, in order to revise their ideas and products or conduct further inquiry.

Public Product The project requires students to demonstrate what they learn by creating a product that is presented or offered to people beyond the classroom.

The 4 C’s of PBL Communication Collaboration Creativity Critical Thinking

AUTHENTICITY Projects designed with authenticity infuse student work with purpose and passion by connecting project work to real- world issues that students care about. ACADEMIC RIGOR Projects that feature academic rigor challenge students to fully engage their minds by mastering content standards and using professional-level thinking skills. ADULT CONNECTIONS Projects that incorporate adult connections support and inspire students through the meaningful involvement of adults beyond the classroom. ACTIVE EXPLORATION Projects with active exploration engage the bodies and minds of students through hands-on, field-based work. APPLIED LEARNING Projects that integrate applied learning push students to use their learning right away and to practice important skills demanded by the workplace. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES Projects with quality assessment practices provide opportunities for students to receive relevant feedback during and after their project work 6 A’s of PBL